The Hyundai brand has reached a level of respectability that warrants great excitement for a new nameplate.  Will Veloster deliver?  Sure.  The only thing that could slow the initial sales rush is some sort of exploding chassis development, which I find no evidence of at this time. Let’s enjoy the expected greatness with 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

Here are some hot juicy Veloster bites to satiate the appetite:

2012 Hyundai Veloster doors: Did they miss one?

2012 Hyundai Veloster can be classified as a compact hatch-coupe with a 3-door setup and, before you ask, it’s got two traditional doors up front with a forward-hinging rear door on the passenger side.  Plus a back hatch for impromptu getaways (groceries and other luggage can be stowed as well).  Veloster’s coupe-like stretched out Prius resemblance can accommodate 4 passengers.

2012 Hyundai Veloster: multifunctional outlet

Don’t pill any water inside the cabin.  Hyundai went beast mode with extracurricular attention, so get your tapping fingers ready for:

Blue Link

Charged with the task of ‘making your everyday life easier,’ Hyundai’s Blue Link gives drivers car connectivity and use of features familiar and new via smartphone (app), web application, and good ole’ in car activation.  All three methods offer different services based on capability.  For example, the virtual genie controls phone activated door lock/unlock, horn & light features and remote engine starting.  

Sit down at the desktop for a number of notifications and alerts like panic & alarm warnings, maintenance needs (including Monthly Vehicle Report), and even dictate unwanted use from unruly children and joyriding valets via Curfew Alert andValet Alert- Your car is being driven when it shouldn’t?  Blue Link will tattletale with texts or emails.

On road car information spits out restaurant, weather, gas & traffic/navigation knowledge; there’s also an extensive music/media functionality anchored by Veloster’s 7 inch voice activated touchscreen.  And you’ll never have to feel alone on the road:  Voice out texts while keeping eyes up or use location sharing to network with Facebook and fellow Hyundai friends.

Just think about all things great you’d appreciate on present vehicle infotainment/telematics devices and add everything else you’ve wanted; there’s your Blue Link.

Oh, yeah, there’s also a115 volt power outlet for A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE.  (Non-drivers only please).

2012 Hyundai Veloster Tech with performance

Not just for the movies anymore.

2012 Veloster’s base models are powered by a front-wheel driving 1.6L 4 cylinder engine producing 138 HP and 123 lb.-ft. of torque.  Drivers will be handed a 6 speed manual transmission standard with the option for a 6 speed dual clutch gearbox fitted with paddle shifters, another Hyundai first.  If that’s not exciting enough, rumors say a turbocharged 4-cylinder is in the works.

Gas Mileage: Another for the 40 club

Transporting Veloster’s technology is a money saving endeavor: Hyundai says that Veloster will achieve 40 freeway MPG.  It’s nice to know that the brand sticks to its roots.

2012 Hyundai Veloster: Bottom Line

Edmunds.com projects a $17.500 base tag, very Hyundai-like.  With similar economy and a big leap forward in car-tech, don’t commit to peers until you test Veloster’s personality.